Biology Program

The Biology curriculum leads to either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree. A minor field of study is required.

Biology has many specialty areas and exciting career opportunities. The courses required for all biology majors have been selected to provide a broad introduction to the field of biology. Students are encouraged to individualize their biology curriculum by taking elective courses in their specific areas of interest including: Preprofessional Studies; Cell/Molecular Biology; Ecology/Aquatic Biology/Fishery Science; and Plant Sciences. Prospective high school biology teachers should take note of the special requirements for Secondary Certification. Your biology advisor will guide you in choosing a program of study that best suits your interests and goals.

The Biology program is strengthened by the environmental resources of the Lake Superior region and by close working relationships with regional research laboratories. Field and laboratory research experience and internships are provided through cooperation with UW-Superior's Lake Superior Research Institute, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and faculty research grants.

The freshman biology sequence (BIOL 130 and BIOL 132) must be completed prior to enrollment in most biology courses numbered over 300. Credit for these introductory courses may be awarded to high school students who have taken Advanced Placement courses. A score of 3 on the AP biology exam will earn credit for BIOL 130. For scores of 4 or greater, credit will be awarded for both BIOL 130 and 132. Credit is also awarded for International Baccaulaureate (IB) exams. International students should contact the Department chair to discuss advanced placement based on their previous course work. Biology courses numbered over 400 should be taken during the junior or senior year. A formal plan for the required Senior Experience should be approved by the end of the second semester of the junior year.

Students desiring licensure to teach biology at the early adolescence through adolescence level must complete the Biology major described below. Elective courses must include at least three credits in animal science (A) and at least three credits in plant science (P). All Secondary Education students must also meet the Professional Education Requirements .

Preprofessional Studies Focus

Students interested in the preprofessional preparation in the areas of chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, and veterinary medicine will find that our course array provides a comprehensive background that enables students to apply for professional health programs as well as other programs in the medical area. Whereas prerequisite courses required for admission to professional schools differ, it is recommended that students interested in professional health programs have a strong background in chemistry, physics, and mathematics in addition to biology. Recommended courses include PHYS 107 and 108, CHEM 105, 106, 320, 321, and 360 and MATH 240. Students should work closely with their advisor when choosing elective classes.

Cell/Molecular Biology Focus

Cell and molecular biologists study basic life processes, seeking to understand them at the molecular level. Students interested in graduate, medical or professional schools, or work in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries are encouraged to focus on course offerings in the Biology Major which will expose them to a variety of techniques and areas of study and also provide the opportunity for independent research.

Those interested in focusing on Cell and Molecular Biology should minor in chemistry (taking CHEM 360, Biochemistry as part of the minor).

Ecology, Aquatic Biology and Fishery Science Focus

Faculty expertise and the Lake Superior region contribute to the development of both classroom and non-classroom learning experiences in the area of ecology, aquatic biology and fishery science. Students interested in careers in aquatic ecology, marine biology, terrestrial ecology, field biology, resource management, or natural resource education will be advised to take courses within the Biology Major which prepare them for work or graduate studies in these fields. Additional courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science, geographic information systems, and physics are recommended.

Plant Sciences Focus

Rich in forests as well as other plant communities, northwestern Wisconsin provides an excellent setting for the study of plants. Students interested in botany or other plant science are encouraged to take additional courses in the plant sciences, geographic information systems, and geology as part of the Biology Major and as suggested by their advisors.

Biology Elective courses (6 credits required):
Only BIOL courses required for the Biology major are allowed as electives for this area.

Biology Teaching Minor (EA-A) Requirements

Students desiring licensure to teach science at the early adolescence through adolescence level must complete the Biology minor described above. Recommended elective courses include BIOL 270 and 280. All Secondary Education students must also meet the Professional Education Requirements (see the Secondary Education information under the Teacher Education section of this catalog) including completion of NSEd 339 Teaching Science in the Secondary Schools as well as course work in Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences. See your advisor for recommended classes.

Student Learning Outcome

The Biology Program has developed the following learning outcomes for the Biology major. Our students will:

understand and apply fundamental biological principles from the major areas of biology (ecology, genetics, evolution, cell and molecular biology, and organismal biology)

be able to integrate their knowledge of fundamental biological principles

acquire laboratory and field skills necessary to answer biological questions

develop scientific literacy and enhanced critical thinking skills

communicate effectively in written and oral forms to a variety of audiences

engage in the scientific process

Admission Requirements

Admission to UW-Superior is sufficient for admission to the Biology program. We recommend college preparatory coursework in math and science in preparation for majoring in Biology.